CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arquivos Brasileiros de Neurocirurgia: Brazilian Neurosurgery 2020; 39(01): 037-040
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598650
Case Report | Relato de Caso
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Grisel Syndrome: Case Report

Article in several languages: English | português
Bruno Roncaglio
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
Tadeu Gervazoni Debom
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
Marcus Alexandre Novo Brazolino
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
Thiago Cardoso Maia
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
José Lucas Batista Filho
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
Igor Machado Cardoso
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
,
1   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, ES, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Address for correspondence

Bruno Roncaglio
Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Vítória, ES, 29025-023
Brazil   

Publication History

18 September 2017

08 December 2017

Publication Date:
06 March 2017 (online)

 

Abstract

We report a case of a rare disease, Grisel syndrome, which manifests as a kind of rotational fixation of the atlas on the axis, resulting from an infectious process of the upper airways. In the present report, we discuss etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome after intervention.


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Introduction

Grisel syndrome is a rare type of rotational fixation of the atlas on the axis (C1-C2), initially described in 1830, when Bell[1] reported a case of atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to a process of syphilitic ulcerative pharynx. Subsequently, it has been described as a rare complication of inflammatory processes secondary to otorhinolaryngological and gastroenterologic surgical interventions and to upper airway infections (UAIs). The etiopathogenesis has not been fully clarified, but it is described as an association with an infection or inflammatory process of the head and neck region with subsequent dissemination to the atlantoaxial joint, which would weaken at the level of its bone and ligamentous insertion. It has an incidence of 68% among the population younger than 12 years of age, and of 90% among those under 21 years of age.[2] [3] The typical presentation is with cervical pain, deformity and limitation of movements (fixed torticollis), with the existence of a recent inflammatory or infectious process. The child adopts a cock robin position, due to the presence of the so-called paradoxical torticollis, which differs from the common muscular torticollis because, instead of shortening, there is stretching of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Another finding from the clinical examination is the Sudek sign, in which the C2 spinous process is diverted to the same side of the head. In less than 15% of the cases, neurological complications occur, ranging from transient sensory alterations to tetraplegia, and even sudden death. The common differential diagnosis is meningitis, and retropharyngeal abscess, spasmodic muscle torticollis, trauma and adverse drug reactions should also be considered.[4] Imaging exams help in the diagnosis. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) can show an asymmetry between the lateral masses of C1 and an increase in the atlantodental interval.

The classification of Fielding et al[5] ([Fig. 1]) enables the grouping of the different degrees of atlantoaxial subluxation and assists in the prediction of the prognosis for potential complications, dividing the cases into: type I, fixed rotational subluxation; type II, anterior deviation = 3–5 mm; type III, anterior deviation > 5 mm; and type IV, posterior deviation. The treatment is conservative at first. Cases of failure, irreducible subluxation and recurrences have surgical indication.[5]

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Fig. 1 (A) Type I; (B) type II; (C) type III; (D) type IV.

The objective of the present work is to report a rare case of Grisel syndrome, with inveterate atlantoaxial subluxation and its treatment with cranial halo, and to describe its physiopathology.


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Clinical Case

A 9-year-old male patient was admitted to our service with cervical pain, deformity and limitation in range of motion for 50 days, with no history of trauma, which was treated as spasmodic torticollis. Regarding his previous history, the patient presented a picture of UAI in the three weeks preceding the onset of symptoms, with resolution after the use of symptomatic relief medications. Upon clinical examination, a limitation in the amplitude of the cervical movement was observed, with inclination of the head to the right and deviation of the contralateral chin, without neurological deficit ([Fig. 2]). The patient was submitted to radiography and computed tomography (CT) scans, in which a C1-C2 rotational subluxation was visualized ([Figs. 3], [4] and [5]). The patient was submitted to cranial halo and traction in a surgical center, which was maintained for 15 days in a Stagnara chair with progressive traction, and subsequently used a halo vest for 12 weeks ([Fig. 6]), obtaining C1-C2 reduction with a 5-mm index measured in the coronal and axial planes ([Figs. 7] and [8]). The patient presented good evolution with the proposed treatment, and did not evolve with functional limitation in the range of motion of the cervical spine ([Fig. 9]).

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Fig. 2 Clinical image of a patient with head tilt to the right and rotated back to the contralateral side.
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Fig. 3 Computed tomography; axial view showing rotational subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 4 Computed tomography; coronal view showing rotational subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 5 Transoral radiography of the cervical spine showing subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 6 Patient in traction and with halo vest for bloodless reduction.
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Fig. 7 Computed tomography; frontal view showing acceptable reduction of the subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 8 Computed tomography; axial view showing acceptable reduction of the subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 9 Clinical image of the patient in anteroposterior and profile views after the reduction.

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Discussion

Grisel syndrome is an eminently pediatric pathology, although there are cases reported in adults. In a series of cases, Watson-Jones[6] and Wilson et al[4] demonstrated that most cases are manifested in children under 10 years old. It results from a pathological relaxation of the ligaments around the C1-C2 joint, following an inflammatory, infectious or surgical procedure.[7] [8]

The diagnosis of non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation requires radiological investigation. Simple cervical spine radiography may present an asymmetry between the joints in the anteroposterior projection and increase in the atlantodental interval in lateral projections. In children, the atlantodental interval normally measures less than 3 mm. An increase in this interval to more than 5 mm would suggest traumatic or non-traumatic subluxation.[8] The exam of choice in the evaluation of the bone cervical spine is the CT, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information related to the structures of the surrounding soft tissues and spinal cord.

In the case in question, the patient presented an irreducible lesion, with an atlantoaxial interval of 14 mm, and type III in the Fielding et al[5] classification. Due to the delayed definitive diagnosis, there was no spontaneous reduction of the subluxation, and the patient was submitted to skeletal traction.

The prognosis with the conservative treatment is excellent, when the diagnosis is established in adequate time, that is, less than 3 weeks after the onset of the first symptoms. After this period, some form of surgical intervention may be required due to the irreducibility.[9] In most cases, the subluxation is reduced spontaneously.[10]

The treatment for Grisel syndrome is controversial. It usually starts with conservative and supportive measures, including resting, cervical collar, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and, when necessary, antibiotic therapy and abscess drainage.[3] The expected time for spontaneous reduction, in most cases, is after 7 days of treatment; after the reduction of the lesion and regression of the inflammatory process, the stability is recovered.[10] In cases in which spontaneous reduction does not occur, manual reduction under sedation, cranial traction and, lastly, surgical treatment with craniocervical arthrodesis may be attempted.[9] [11] [12] Wetzel and La Rocca[8] proposed a treatment protocol for non-traumatic atlantoaxial rotational subluxation based on the Fielding et al[5] classification. The conservative treatment for lesions of types I, II and III would be soft paste, rigid collar (Philadelphia) and halo-vest respectively. For type-IV lesions, they recommend surgical treatment, which is also indicated in cases of failure of the conservative treatment, recurrence of subluxation, and irreducible subluxations.[8] Gomes et al[13] evaluated retrospectively 35 cases of Grisel syndrome treated at a referral hospital, and they found 19 female children with a mean age of 6.9 years. Cervical pain was the main complaint of 85% of the patients, followed by deformity and loss of mobility. History of UAI was present in 80% of the cases, and trauma was also found in 14%. Only one patient suffered neurological deficit (deltoid and triceps paresis), with complete remission after the treatment. According to Fielding et al,[5] 14 patients were classified as type II, and there were no cases of type IV. The treatment performed with collar alone in twenty patients had good results. Surgical treatment was performed in six cases, with C1-C2 arthrodesis preceded by a reduction with halo and traction. Complications resulting from the treatment were scarce. Pilge et al[14] reported an 11-year-old patient with 2 months of evolution of atlantoaxial subluxation after surgery for cochlear implantation, in which a reduction was performed under general anesthesia and myorelaxants, followed by cervical collar. The reduction was satisfactory.

The patient in the present report was submitted to progressive load (halo) traction for 2 weeks, and used a halo vest for another 12 weeks. The case showed satisfactory evolution, obtaining a reduction of C1-C2, with an index of around 5 mm measured in the coronal plane.


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Conclusion

Despite its rarity, it is fundamental that the medical community know this entity, in order to avoid subdiagnoses and consequent irreversible injuries.


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Conflict of Interests

The authors have no conflict of interests to declare.

  • References

  • 1 Bell C. The nervous system of the human body, embracing papers to the Royal Society on the subject of nerves. London: Longman, Rees and Orme; 1830: 403
  • 2 Bocciolini C, Dall'Olio D, Cunsolo E, Cavazzuti PP, Laudadio P. Grisel's syndrome: a rare complication following adenoidectomy. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2005; 25 (04) 245-249
  • 3 Fernández Cornejo VJ, Martínez-Lage JF, Piqueras C, Gelabert A, Poza M. Inflammatory atlanto-axial subluxation (Grisel's syndrome) in children: clinical diagnosis and management. Childs Nerv Syst 2003; 19 (5-6): 342-347
  • 4 Wilson M, Michele AA, Jacobson EW. Spontaneous dislocation of the atlanto-axial articulation, including a report of a caso with quadriplegia. J Bone Joint Surg 1940; 22: 698
  • 5 Fielding JW, Hawkins RJ, Hensinger RN, Francis WR. Atlantoaxial rotary deformities. Orthop Clin North Am 1978; 9 (04) 955-967
  • 6 Watson-Jones R. Spontaneous hyperemic dislocation of the atlas. Proc R Soc Med 1932; 25: 586
  • 7 Feldmann H, Meister EF, Küttner K. [From the expert's office. Atlanto-axial subluxation with spastic torticollis after adenoid-ectomy resp. tonsillectomy in rose position - malpractice of the surgeon or the anaesthesiologist?]. Laryngorhinootologie 2003; 82 (11) 799-804
  • 8 Wetzel FT, La Rocca H. Grisel's syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1989; 240 (240) 141-152
  • 9 Subach BR, McLaughlin MR, Albright AL, Pollack IF. Current management of pediatric atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation. Spine 1998; 23 (20) 2174-2179
  • 10 Phillips WA, Hensinger RN. The management of rotatory atlanto-axial subluxation in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989; 71 (05) 664-668
  • 11 Martinez-Lage JF, Martinez Perez M, Fernandez Cornejo V, Poza M. Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation in children: early management. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2001; 143 (12) 1223-1228
  • 12 Park SW, Cho KH, Shin YS. , et al. Successful reduction for a pediatric chronic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (Grisel syndrome) with long-term halter traction: case report. Spine 2005; 30 (15) E444-E449
  • 13 Gomes FCP, Meyer GPV, Lutaka AS. , et al. Avaliação retrospectiva dos casos de Síndrome de Grisel no IOT-HCFMUSP. Coluna/ Columna vol.10 n.2. São Paulo: 2011
  • 14 Pilge H, Prodinger PM, Bürklein D, Holzapfel BM, Lauen J. Nontraumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint as rare form of acquired torticollis: diagnosis and clinical features of the Grisel's syndrome. Spine 2011; 36 (11) E747-E751

Address for correspondence

Bruno Roncaglio
Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Instituto de Coluna Vertebral, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Vítória, ES, 29025-023
Brazil   

  • References

  • 1 Bell C. The nervous system of the human body, embracing papers to the Royal Society on the subject of nerves. London: Longman, Rees and Orme; 1830: 403
  • 2 Bocciolini C, Dall'Olio D, Cunsolo E, Cavazzuti PP, Laudadio P. Grisel's syndrome: a rare complication following adenoidectomy. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2005; 25 (04) 245-249
  • 3 Fernández Cornejo VJ, Martínez-Lage JF, Piqueras C, Gelabert A, Poza M. Inflammatory atlanto-axial subluxation (Grisel's syndrome) in children: clinical diagnosis and management. Childs Nerv Syst 2003; 19 (5-6): 342-347
  • 4 Wilson M, Michele AA, Jacobson EW. Spontaneous dislocation of the atlanto-axial articulation, including a report of a caso with quadriplegia. J Bone Joint Surg 1940; 22: 698
  • 5 Fielding JW, Hawkins RJ, Hensinger RN, Francis WR. Atlantoaxial rotary deformities. Orthop Clin North Am 1978; 9 (04) 955-967
  • 6 Watson-Jones R. Spontaneous hyperemic dislocation of the atlas. Proc R Soc Med 1932; 25: 586
  • 7 Feldmann H, Meister EF, Küttner K. [From the expert's office. Atlanto-axial subluxation with spastic torticollis after adenoid-ectomy resp. tonsillectomy in rose position - malpractice of the surgeon or the anaesthesiologist?]. Laryngorhinootologie 2003; 82 (11) 799-804
  • 8 Wetzel FT, La Rocca H. Grisel's syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1989; 240 (240) 141-152
  • 9 Subach BR, McLaughlin MR, Albright AL, Pollack IF. Current management of pediatric atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation. Spine 1998; 23 (20) 2174-2179
  • 10 Phillips WA, Hensinger RN. The management of rotatory atlanto-axial subluxation in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989; 71 (05) 664-668
  • 11 Martinez-Lage JF, Martinez Perez M, Fernandez Cornejo V, Poza M. Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation in children: early management. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2001; 143 (12) 1223-1228
  • 12 Park SW, Cho KH, Shin YS. , et al. Successful reduction for a pediatric chronic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (Grisel syndrome) with long-term halter traction: case report. Spine 2005; 30 (15) E444-E449
  • 13 Gomes FCP, Meyer GPV, Lutaka AS. , et al. Avaliação retrospectiva dos casos de Síndrome de Grisel no IOT-HCFMUSP. Coluna/ Columna vol.10 n.2. São Paulo: 2011
  • 14 Pilge H, Prodinger PM, Bürklein D, Holzapfel BM, Lauen J. Nontraumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint as rare form of acquired torticollis: diagnosis and clinical features of the Grisel's syndrome. Spine 2011; 36 (11) E747-E751

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Fig. 1 (A) Type I; (B) type II; (C) type III; (D) type IV.
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Fig. 1 A, tipo I; B, tipo II; C, tipo III; D, tipo IV.
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Fig. 2 Clinical image of a patient with head tilt to the right and rotated back to the contralateral side.
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Fig. 3 Computed tomography; axial view showing rotational subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 4 Computed tomography; coronal view showing rotational subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 5 Transoral radiography of the cervical spine showing subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 6 Patient in traction and with halo vest for bloodless reduction.
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Fig. 7 Computed tomography; frontal view showing acceptable reduction of the subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 8 Computed tomography; axial view showing acceptable reduction of the subluxation in C1-C2.
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Fig. 9 Clinical image of the patient in anteroposterior and profile views after the reduction.
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Fig. 2 Imagem clínica de paciente com inclinação da cabeça para a direita e mento rodado contralateralmente.
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Fig. 3 Tomografia computadorizada; corte axial mostrando subluxação rotatória em C1-C2.
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Fig. 4 Tomografia computadorizada; corte coronal mostrando subluxação rotatória em C1-C2.
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Fig. 5 Radiografia transoral de coluna cervical mostrando subluxação em C1-C2.
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Fig. 6 Paciente na tração e com halo vest para redução incruenta.
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Fig. 7 Tomografia computadorizada; corte frontal mostrando redução aceitável da subluxação em C1-C2.
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Fig. 8 Tomografia computadorizada; corte axial mostrando redução aceitável da subluxação em C1-C2.
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Fig. 9 Imagem clínica do paciente em vista anteroposterior e perfil após redução.